Bill Kim opening Belly Q, an Asian barbecue restaurant, in the West Loop

Bill Kim and Yvonne Cadiz-Kim

Photo: Anna Knott

A few weeks back one sixtyblue anncounced its closure. A few days later, Eater reported that chef Michael McDonald would not be part of whatever was to replace it. This morning, worlds collided as the press release announced: MICHAEL JORDAN AND CORNERSTONE RESTAURANT GROUP JOIN FORCES WITH CHEF BILL KIM TO INTRODUCE BELLY Q, AN ASIAN BARBECUE CONCEPT.

The connection between Kim (the former Charlie Trotter’s chef de cuisine who set the trend of chefs going downscale when he left Le Lan to open Urbanbelly and subsequently Belly Shack) and Cornerstone (which operates, among other restaurants, Michael Jordan's Steak House and WAVE) stemmed, per the press release, from "a chance conversation." Here's what else we know: (1) Belly Q will go into the former one sixtyblue space at 1400 W Randolph. (2) The projected opening date is this spring. (3) The buildout of the restaurant will feature "materials chosen for their overlooked beauty." And as for the food, (4) "Expect a flavor palette that's boldly smoky and brightly piquant, with a depth of flavor that sneaks up on you and leaves you wanting more." As though we would expect anything less from Bill Kim.